Abstract

This study examined patterns of online dating application use and their relationship with social confidence and the initiation of romantic relationships among criminology students. Advances in technology have made it easier for individuals to connect with potential romantic partners through online dating applications as well as through in-person interactions. A descriptive-correlational-comparative design was used with 100 BS Criminology students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a validated researcher-developed survey and a standardized questionnaire measuring social confidence and the initiation of romantic relationships. Most respondents were aged 19–21 years (59%), followed by those aged 22–24 years (32%) and 25–27 years (9%); 76% were male. 64% used dating applications once a week, most spent 30 minutes per day on the applications, and 66% were single. Social confidence—measured through performance experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, imaginal experience, and physical and emotional state—was significantly related to how frequently respondents initiated romantic relationships. Students with greater confidence in their physical and emotional well-being were more likely to initiate romantic interactions through dating applications. The null hypothesis was rejected, indicating that higher social confidence was associated with more frequent initiation of romantic relationships through dating applications. The findings suggest that an individual’s motivation to initiate romantic interactions may be related to their level of social confidence.